The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted governorship primaries across multiple states on Sunday, selecting flagbearers for the 2027 general elections. The exercise, adhering to the Electoral Act, featured both consensus adoptions and competitive voting, with prominent figures emerging as candidates.
Ogun State: Oladipupo Adebutu Emerges as PDP Candidate
Former federal lawmaker Oladipupo Adebutu was affirmed as the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State through a voice vote by delegates from all 20 local government areas and 236 wards. The event in Abeokuta was supervised by Independent National Electoral Commission officials. Adebutu, who also contested in 2023, pledged to mobilize support to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Solomon Adeola, in 2027. He stated that although he was denied victory in 2023 through manipulation, he is confident that the people's vote will count in 2027. Party leaders, including former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, described Adebutu as a capable leader.
Katsina State: Yakubu Lado Wins with 77,013 Votes
Senator Yakubu Lado secured 77,013 votes in a peaceful primary, defeating other aspirants to become the PDP candidate in Katsina State. Announcing the result, committee chairman Nuradeen Sani confirmed that 78,085 delegates were accredited, and 77,013 votes were cast in favor of Lado, who was declared the winner. Lado will face incumbent APC Governor Dikko Radda in the February 2027 election.
Jigawa State: Mustapha Sule Lamido Affirmed Unopposed
In Jigawa, Mustapha Sule Lamido, son of former governor Sule Lamido, was affirmed unopposed as the PDP candidate. Addressing supporters, he emphasized rebuilding Jigawa into a state that works for all, with accountable leadership and accessible opportunities. Lamido will contest against Governor Umar Namadi in the February 6, 2027 election.
Lagos State: Adedeji Doherty Adopted as Consensus Candidate
Former PDP chairman Adedeji Doherty was unanimously endorsed as the Lagos governorship candidate. The adoption followed a consensus decision by delegates across the state. Doherty promised inclusive governance, pledging to build a prosperous Lagos that serves all residents. He will face APC's Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and other opposition candidates.
Adamawa and Oyo States: New Flagbearers Announced
In Adamawa, Maurice Vunobolki emerged as the PDP candidate. In Oyo, former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi won with 3,615 votes, defeating Beulah Adeoye, who polled 22 votes.
Benue State
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa, unveiled Dr. Oyije Ogbenjuwa, aged 38, as his running mate. He pledged to prioritize security and youth inclusion, stressing the need for unity within the party.
Gombe State
In Gombe, aspirants rejected attempts to include former APC aspirant Prof. Isa Pantami in the PDP primaries. They argued that his participation would be unlawful and warned against actions that could trigger legal disputes.
PDP Strategy Ahead of 2027
The primaries highlight PDP's mix of consensus-building and competitive elections across states. Key themes include unity and inclusion, with candidates emphasizing youth participation, security, and inclusive governance. Resilience is also a focus, as figures like Adebutu and Lamido frame their candidacies as a continuation of past struggles, promising reform and accountability. Strategic positioning through consensus adoptions in Lagos and Ogun suggests efforts to avoid internal divisions ahead of the 2027 polls. With candidates now in place, the PDP faces the challenge of consolidating support and presenting a united front against strong APC incumbents.
